A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin for induction of labor and notes late decelerations of the fetal heart rate on the monitor tracing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Decrease maintenance IV solution infusion rate.
Place the client in a lateral position.
Administer oxygen via face mask at 2 L/min.
Administer misoprostol 25 mcg vaginally.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Decreasing the maintenance IV solution infusion rate is not the appropriate action for addressing late decelerations of the fetal heart rate. Late decelerations are a concerning sign during labor, indicating possible fetal distress. This can be caused by inadequate oxygenation of the fetus, and reducing IV fluids would not directly address this issue.
Choice B rationale:
Placing the client in a lateral (side-lying) position is the correct action when late decelerations are observed. This position helps to improve uteroplacental blood flow and can relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, thus increasing oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice C rationale:
Administering oxygen via face mask at 2 L/min is not the priority action in response to late decelerations. While oxygen may be beneficial in certain situations, it is not the initial intervention for addressing fetal heart rate decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Administering misoprostol 25 mcg vaginally is not appropriate for addressing late decelerations. Misoprostol is a medication used for cervical ripening and induction of labor, but it does not directly address fetal heart rate changes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hct (hematocrit) of 34% is a normal finding during pregnancy. Normal ranges vary during pregnancy, but generally, a hematocrit between 33% to 45% is considered normal during the second trimester.
Choice B rationale:
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) of 25 mg/dL should be reported to the provider. BUN measures kidney function, and during pregnancy, values above 20 mg/dL may indicate possible impaired kidney function, which requires further evaluation.
Choice C rationale:
Platelets of 170,000/mm³ are within the normal range during pregnancy. The normal platelet count during pregnancy is typically between 150,000 to 400,000/mm³.
Choice D rationale:
HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) of 6% is a good indicator of blood sugar control and is within the target range for a pregnant woman with diabetes. The target HbA1c level for pregnant women with diabetes is usually around 6% or lower.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should assess this client first as they are at 34 weeks of gestation and experiencing epigastric pain and headache. These symptoms could be indicative of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Preeclampsia requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice B rationale:
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy, and at 12 weeks of gestation, it is less likely to be a critical issue compared to potential preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale:
Painful urination may indicate a urinary tract infection, which can be important to assess and treat, but it is not as urgent as potential signs of preeclampsia in a client at 34 weeks of gestation.
Choice D rationale:
Cramping and spotting can be normal signs of impending labor, especially at 39 weeks of gestation. While it's important to assess this client, it is not the priority over potential preeclampsia in a client at 34 weeks of gestation with symptoms of epigastric pain and headache.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
